Ultramarine

or Lapis Lazuli ( azurrum transmarinum ). A beautiful blue pigment obtained from lazulite, highly esteemed by early painters. In consequence of the costline of this pigment its use in a picture was regulated by special contract, and it was either supplied or paid for by the person who ordered the picture. Lely has recorded that he paid for his as much as 4 l. 10 s. the ounce. The pigment is now artificially compounded. (Cf. Guimet’s U. )